On November 25, 2013...
z posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabi,us old bitties (gals) can handle a bunch of stuff and you can do it on this CV. I'm like you, let's get it over with and get on with life. I'll be waiting the results and expecting a good report.
On November 25, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabi
Let me whisper "the best of success". I hope you get this bad boy done and I most certainly hope it works for you. All the best, my fine Aussie friend.
On November 17, 2013...
Lynn Ennis posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabi,
INR numbers drive me crazy and I don't even have one! I am 100%!certain Coumadin has mind altering capabilities and that you are suffering from this yo-yo scale. Hang tight; it will even out.
Rachel remains on all our minds for sure. Her case is the most threatening but the rest of us are struggling as well and need to keep,our voice alive. It's better that way :) hope you have a good Monday,
Gabrielle Stinson  Thanks Lynn, I have already lived my Monday!! I am into Tues now it is 2.41pm Tues 19/11/2013. Can ... Read more
On November 17, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabi
Great, you are on the path to a solid INR number. It stinks that it is not where it needs to be. I am confident however in your ability to get it in range. Then you can move forward to get after the a-fib. re: guilt I get it but I think it is Good for us to accept our honest emotions without judgement, comparison or recrimination. This is hard work for all of us. Let us be as kind to ourselves as we would be with our fellow heart valve brethren. Peace out, Gabi.
Gabrielle Stinson  Thanks Jim, pearls of wisdom! I may as well face it - I am depressed and THAT IS OK! Our feelings a ... Read more
On November 17, 2013...
Susan Smith,oldie goldies rocking on. posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Looking for a good report. Remember we"rock"????
Gabrielle Stinson  Crack me up why don't you! Yeah we do, we Golden Girls rock. Rock on Biddy!
On November 17, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabi
Good luck with your INR number. Would be nice for you to finally get your procedure. Please stay strong and positive.
Best.
Gabrielle Stinson  Dear faithful Jim! I should have known there would be a message from you in my guest book. NOW my i ... Read more
On November 16, 2013...
Aubrey Elmo Jones posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
As I was reading your updates, I could relate to the depression. While I am not subject to depression much, I grazed the edge of it. I am not sure if why I think I avoided it will help but I hope so.

There are a number of reasons that push us towards frustration or depression.

The things that mostly drove those thoughts for me were the frustration of slowing down for the healing, the unknown that it really would get better, the pain (even though it was well managed) and the pills that screw with our chemistry. What made the difference for me was that Tammy kept telling me I was making progress and I trust her implicitly and that I could look back every few days and see progress and that the people before me on this site served as evidence that it would get better and lastly, we used the drugs they gave us to insure I got a good nights rest every night without fail. Also I avoided being in the bedroom where it is darker and is not a place of activity. Tammy made a nice place in the TV room upstairs with lots of light and recliners so I could sleep comfortably as well.

Keep healing and hopefully you can take solace in the fact that you will feel better than you have in a long time. I was lucky that I could reason out enough to resist the depression factors I ran into but can truly relate to how it can happen. I hope you can too.
Gabrielle Stinson  Oh how lovely of you Aubrey to take the time to offer your help and guidance. Today I am dealing wit ... Read more
On November 15, 2013...
Susan S posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Birth month is January, what is yours? My youngest grandchild is 19 and the oldest is 29. Cherese my first granddaughter is getting married in Sept. 2014 to her high school sweetheart. She just graduated from college. My Grandson, the oldest is going to law school and my youngest granddaughter is going to nursing school. I was just a babe when my son came along (20 ). I am blessed to be working at my age, but the office work in are people I have known for years and they are in their 60's and 70's... so I fit right in. It is an insurance agency. I work part time (1-5) and it is just right. I take a nap in the morning. Come and take a nap and then go to bed. I am tired all the time ( I guess it is the valve). Must stop and go to bed ( it is a quarter to 12 midnight. Forgot our time differences. Have a great day.
On November 15, 2013...
Susan Smith, pre-op and waiting posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
I am a 1941 vintage as well and raised my son pretty much by myself. He is what makes this all worth while, along with my 1 grandson and 2 grand daughters. I never remarried, but close several times. Life is very much full of surprises, some good and some not so good. Meeting all these wonderful interesting souls is a very good surprise. The aortic stenosis is a not so good surprise, but with the help of these good people it will be much better. Do take care and keep us all posted on your well being.
Gabrielle Stinson  Susan, oops sorry did you know I meant you when I called you Sharon? I have since amended my journal ... Read more
On November 15, 2013...
Lynn Ennis posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Hey,hey,hey, What Does the Fox Say!!!!!you are too nice to be alone- am thrilled to discover Mr. Fox!!!! Don't leave us Gabi- our Club house seriously needs you for a while!
Gabrielle Stinson  I know Lynn! He is such a fox! I fell in love with him when I was 10 yrs old. The Fox went to scho ... Read more
On November 15, 2013...
Susan Smith, south Florida,usa posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Hi Gabi I am fairly new to this community. I'm a bicuspid aortic stenosis . Have been reading your journal and others. I kept seeing your name and wondered who Gabix was so it is nice to meet you. I am about your vintage. Glad you are doing great . Your wit (humor) is great. Have a great day.
On November 15, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabi
You and I are joined at the hip! I rely deeply on my Aussie friend to always be there for me and send me upbeat and at times zany messages. And Gabi I am here for you. We as a group of intrepid travelers are in this as one. One heart, one soul. And we are all here for Rachel. We will only truly rest when she recovers. Let's all heal together, my friend.
On November 15, 2013...
Lynn. Ennis posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Hey Gabi! You have sent me abundant love and support in the last weeks leading to my surgery and made me feel better! Thank you for that! You send deep feelings out over these airwaves. I can understand the need to step back. But while you are out kayaking, know that all that love is mirrored right back at you from all your fans, of which I am one.
Hugs,
On November 15, 2013...
Rebecca S posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Oh Gabi dear, I think a lot of us are in the same place. Just need to know she is ok. Because this could have been you or me or anyone else having that surgery. Hopefully she will make it out but road is long.
Take care of you, Lady! You are important, too. I was thinking about you this morning. Australia has always been on my to-do list. Maybe someday I'll meet you. Of course number 1 is Africa!
God is good and awesome and loving and kind. HE holds Rachel in His hands and He gives her life. May we all learn to appreciate the very breath He gives.
Talk to you later!
On November 15, 2013...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabi!!!!!!!

Hope the cardioversion gets your ticker in gear.

Sorry you've depressed. I went through a low last week. Just wasn't motivated to do anything or go anywhere. Doing better this week.

Stay stubborn. You're going to get there. Full speed ahead and no looking back!!
On October 11, 2013...
Michelle Wanke posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Dear Gabby,
I didn't have the same procedure as you did or are going to. I had to have mitral valve surgery and was fortunate that a repair was done successfully. My surgeon did have to open my chest to complete the surgery since I wasn't a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure. I am 6.5 months post-op and just recently talked to my cardiologist about memory issues, distractibility, irritability, major mood swings that were not present prior to my surgery. He had the gall to suggest that I was probably pre-menopausal and the symptoms that I was describing were probably that and not as a result of the surgery. I am 48 and not menopausal yet, maybe pre but definitely not done yet. I stewed about it for two weeks then made another appt and asked him what he would have suggested to a male who may have described my same complaints. We ended up having a good heart to heart (no pun intended) and want I wanted to know is why do I feel sadder now than I did prior to my surgery. He explained it to me that patients go through a grieving process and that it takes time to move through it. I asked what I had to grieve over since I survived and my surgery was successful. He responded that while that was true, my body changed, my life changed (I ended up retiring early instead of six years down the road). I initially missed my work but have come to the conclusion that it was really only my friends I missed and not what I did. The thought that you may die and all of the memories that will happen without you was very difficult for me. Once I knew I survived, I've really tried to appreciate my days more and exhibit more patience with others. My dr asked me if I wanted to go on anti-depressants but I declined. Tried them before and just feel like a zombie. Every person is different and you shouldn't be ashamed if you need something to help you get over this hurdle. I'm sorry my response was so long, but I really understand where you're at, because I've been there and am still there some days. Do what is best for you because only you know.

Hugs,

Gabrielle Stinson  Thank you Michelle, have been wondering how you have been getting on! Your words are very encouragin ... Read more
On October 9, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabi
I haven't gotten scared off yet so I guess I plan on really going thru with this! (What am I thinking??!)

Good luck with your new cardiologist once you receive the referral. Best.
On October 7, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Hey Gabi
Sorry to hear you are going thru this. I have no wisdom for you since I am on the wrong side of surgery right now. I sure hope you obtain relief from the a-fib. I will be thinking of you this week. All the best.
Gabrielle Stinson  Thanks my dear Jonesy, you are very helpful and supportive! Don't let these stories put you off! G x ... Read more
On October 7, 2013...
Rebecca S posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabi, yes several on here have been having the down times. I sometimes break into tears and sobbing for nothing important. It's short-lived for me usually. My husband gets frustrated. He wants to help so badly but does not understand emotional females. Sometimes we need help to get through stuff. And that's ok. Makes life so much easier. .......for everyone.
I don't know about age limits for Cardioversion. We do them a lot on pediatric patients.....some are the size of adults, though. I suggest getting a second opinion from another cardiologist. Will your electrophysiology doc recommend someone?
It must be miserable to live with a-fib.
Gabrielle Stinson  Thanks Rebecca! You so get it don't you, I feel that you understand me. I already have another card ... Read more
On September 24, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabi
That was a great ( and funny) post. Nice writing. I could visualize you sitting there listening to the speakers. Your drive will keep you on the recovery path. Keep it up, your best days are ahead. Best
On September 24, 2013...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
GABI!!!!!!!

Sorry about the migraines. You're a trooper. Keep on smiling and keep on healing.
On September 24, 2013...
Rebecca S posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Wow, Gabi, that was a long drive. It had to be exhausting. I am almost 4 weeks post op. we took a one hour drive the other day, had lunch, visited family and drove home. I was falling asleep on the couch at brother in law's house!
I am bored, too. My husband works afternoon and into evenings, so I am alone. I find myself grazing a lot. My weight is higher than it has been in 6 years. I don't know if my scrubs will even fit when I go back to work. I have to get about 10 pounds off for sure. Think I can do it in 5 weeks? Hard to do when my energy levels are so low.
Haven't even thought about meditation or yoga. Of course I have never done yoga, so that would be an experience.
Keep up the good work.
Gabrielle Stinson  Thanks Rebecca for your post! My weight is creeping up as well as I was going on 1 k walks but someh ... Read more
On September 12, 2013...
Debbie Cross posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Glad to hear from you.There is nothing like the"tired" you feel after surgery.Glad to hear you are progressing!
On September 12, 2013...
Rebecca S posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabi, glad you are doing well. I am certainly not the perfect one to say how much to do. I keep going back and forth with too much or too little activity. I have been thinking about you and wondering how you were doing. Forward.....the way to go!
On September 10, 2013...
Ernie B.S. posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Update? :)
On August 27, 2013...
Rach s posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Hey Gabi

Glad to hear you're in good spirits - minus the migraines. Hope they go away soon, they horrible at the best of times.

I will take note on the surgical stockings for when I have my surgery!

Take care,
On August 20, 2013...
Jean Trausch posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabrielle-
Glad to hear you're feeling better since your surgery. Hope your migraines go away soon. You are definitely a trooper! God bless you :)
On August 20, 2013...
Rebecca S. posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabi, Yes, I am blessed to have the Cardiologist I have now. I wen to the hospital thinking I was having a heart attack. Had planned to change over to one of his associates due to insurance changes. Dr. Vu Nguyen walked into my room that day, suggested we do an echo and then he would send me home. I had been under a cardiologist for years but no one saw the valve becoming stenotic. So, God put Dr. Nguyen in that hospital room at that time. Hope you are doing well today. The 28th is quickly approaching. Just want to be done and on the mend. Rebecca
On August 18, 2013...
Rebecca S posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabi, I thought I was in the minority about those darn stockings. I only recently learned about the easy way to get them on when my husband had knee replacement. Evidently a nurse thought of it. Anyways, thanks for the kind words. I hope I will be around at your age. I decided on a tissue valve which could mean re-operation in maybe 10 years, if I make it that long. I am glad you are doing well. August 28th is almost here.
Rebecca
On August 15, 2013...
Rebecca Schneider posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabi, did anyone show you the trick for putting those stockings on? You put a plastic bag ( like for veggies at the grocery store) over your toes, pull the stockings on, then pull the bag off through the opening in the toe. It makes the chore so much easier. Hope it helps.
My surgery is the 28th. Just want it to be over and be on the upside.
Gabrielle Stinson  OMG Rebecca! Thank you so much! Wondered why the hole was in da toe! Duh! Will try it today and l ... Read more
On August 15, 2013...
Debbie Cross posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Hello Gabrielle, Even though I did not have my valve repair,I have had cardioversion last January(emergency room)
I started Multaq and Cartia the same day(also Mag-oxide & potassium) I have done well with the Afib but have more frequent migraine headaches(have always had migraines)I have wondered if the medicine was the culprit, or my heart rate.I did see an electrophysithis at Cleveland Clinic,but still no definitive answer. Hope every day is better for you!
Gabrielle Stinson  Thank you dear Debbie, every day is better and better and the Migraines are not worth worying about N ... Read more
On August 13, 2013...
Paul Rose posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Hi Gabi There is light at the end of the tunnel. I had a Mitral valve repair just over a year ago and I had been in AFib for around a year before and for three months after Surgery until Cardioversion. Since then I have neen in NSR :-))

It was difficult not pushing too hard, but the Rehab Nurses kept throwing the anchor out behind me. It turns out your heart has to remodel, and taking a nice controlled return is the best way to do it. I became obsessive about taking my BP and heart Rate - and still am. armed with that information I was able to show my Cardiologist facts and am now off of all meds with the exception of Aspirin.

love the zipper zapper club, goes along with being an ex-regurgitator who was cardioverted.

All the best with the recovery

Paul R
Gabrielle Stinson  Thank you so much Paul for sharing with me your story! It was very comforting to hear about your hea ... Read more
On August 13, 2013...
Natalie posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
I had surgery almost a year ago. Right after surgery I had a lot of migranes for about a month or two and then they started to spread out. I still get more than before surgery but it got better. None of my docs could explain exactly why this was happening but they said isn't unusual.

Natalie t
Graft placed in ascending aorta and valve repair 9-10-12
Gabrielle Stinson  OK thanks Natalie for the info on the Migraines. Have you found any trigger that will bring on a Mig ... Read more
On August 11, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Dear Gabi
Right now we are looking at November 5th. The date will be firmed up in the coming weeks. By then you will be posting about your good health!
All the best
Gabrielle Stinson  Thats a great day Jim. Have you heard of The Melbourne Cup? it is a big horse race always held on t ... Read more
On August 10, 2013...
Margaret E posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Dear Gabi,

How wonderful to read of your road to recovery! It is a fantastic idea and so impressive. I wish you well on your journey and hope you are feeling 100% very, very soon. Love and best wishes.
Marg
Gabrielle Stinson  Thanks dear Marg, I was typing a response to you and then just lost it! Anyway thanks for leaving me ... Read more
On August 10, 2013...
Carolyn Herrnkind posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
I had a mitral valve repair in June and I have been getting more migraines than usual. I spoke to the surgeon and he said they should get farther apart as time goes on. Good luck!
Gabrielle Stinson  See, this is what is so helpful about this site! I dont see my surgeon for another 3 weeks but to he ... Read more
On August 8, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabrielle
I have enjoyed reading your posts from down under. I am in the US. So glad to see you are on the other side of your surgery. The very best in the coming days as you recover. I will be visiting Mt. Sinai, NYC, in November for a mitral valve repair with Dr David Adams. So, I am a bit behind you in the journey!
All the best:
Gabrielle Stinson  OK Jim this is good news that Dr Adams will perform a REPAIR for you. What day in November? I will ... Read more
On July 30, 2013...
Michelle Wanke posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Glad to hear the surgery went well. I had interesting hallucinations too. My family quite enjoyed my goofiness while on the pain meds. I still believe a golden retriever came to visit me. Lol! Take care and keep us posted.
Gabrielle Stinson  Oh I think that would have been v spiritual and comforting to have your golden retriever pay you a vi ... Read more
On July 27, 2013...
Ernie posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Woohoo! Heal like the wind!

Good health to you.

Smile.
On July 27, 2013...
Debbie Cross posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
So happy to hear you're doing well! Hope every day is better and brighter!
Gabrielle Stinson  Thank you Debbie! You know I kept thinking of your experience just before my surgery and I think that ... Read more
On July 21, 2013...
Chris K posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Hi Gabrielle: Nice to hear from a HVJ'r from the other side of the world--and to hear about the similar experiences with the medical system to as we have in Canada.
I am thinking of you and wondering if you had your surgery on July 18th as planned. How are you doing? I trust and hope that it went well and you are recovering. Mine is scheduled for July 29th.
Gabrielle Stinson  Many thanks dear Chris! Yes I now member of the zipper club! All went well for 18th and I was disch ... Read more
On July 16, 2013...
Ernie posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Keep that positive attitude. You're gonna do great! In a few months it will all be sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows.

Gabrielle Stinson  Thanks Ernie, I am in Zombie mode atm, but you have given me a song to sing in my head and heart. G x ... Read more
On July 10, 2013...
Rach shelley posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Hey Gabrielle, glad to hear you have a date, and not long to wait! Will be checking back, hope all the prep goes to plan xx
On July 8, 2013...
Debbie Cross posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabrielle, Hope your cold goes away quickly and everything will go smoothly.You will be in my prayers.
Gabrielle Stinson  Debbie you are so generous to think of me after all you have been through! I am still very shocked w ... Read more
On July 5, 2013...
Michelle W posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Hi Gabrielle,
I will be keeping you on my prayers as your surgery date approaches. As far as writing in the journal, click on the add journal entry on the right and a blank box should pop up. After typing hit submit and a box will pop up showing your entry was posted. To keep your friends updated they can sign in on your journals and leave their email address and the site notifies them when an entry has been posted. Or you can add them by clicking on add subscriber button (I think that's what it is called) on the right. Then you can add your friend and families email addresses so they can be updated. Hope this helps.

Take care,
Gabrielle Stinson  OMG Michelle! You have been such a big help darling! Bless you and thank you! G x
On July 4, 2013...
Michelle Wanke posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Hi Gabrielle,
I can't tell from your journal whether or not you already had your surgery. If you have take it slow. As rushing around one day will make you exhausted the next few days. Recovery is slow. I'm just at 15 weeks which seems like I should be feeling great and for the most part I am, but there are still days when I'm exhausted. Keep us posted and take care.

Hugs
Gabrielle Stinson  Hi Michelle, Thanks for your post and advice which I have taken to HEART ha ha! My tentative surgery ... Read more
On July 3, 2013...
Rachel Shelley posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Hey Gabrielle,

Thanks for your post, sorry I've not been in touch more just not got much to report! I went to the Dr's that Friday and all she could tell me was she's been writing to the hospital and getting her secretaries to call and they are ignoring her. I explained I was told a 4 week referral back at the start of May, and in October last year I was told I def needed surgery within a year, and nothing is happening. So she resolved to write more letters. I'm miffed because I don't want to kick up a fuss but I am going to have to make another complaint at the rate this is going.

I've gone onto my reduced hours at work though which is helping. Just trying to be patient!

How's things at your side? Hope you're well and not feeling too tired

Rach xx
On June 26, 2013...
Sharon Knickerbocker posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Hi Gabrielle: Haven't seen a post recently so thought I would check on you. Guessing you might have had the surgery by now. Hearing the word "repaired" made me feel much better in ICU. Take each day as it comes; many will still be exhausting in the beginning recovery. BUT....it does get better and each day you will get stronger. Just keep watching that strange bird outside and the grass grow. Time will pass. I am three weeks into rehab and doing fairly well. Back at my gym as well and doing some gardening. Weeds still have the upper hand, but I shall conquer eventually. Still tire some days, but shopping, church, laundry are all things we can do again. God bless and hang in their girl!!!
Sharon K.
Gabrielle Stinson  Thanks Sharon for your poke! No! not had surgery yet. I wish! It will be in good time, it means th ... Read more
On June 10, 2013...
rach s posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Hi gabrielle

glad to hear the angiogram went well! you're a step closer now :)

I read your most recent blog. I get very tired too, and I think feeling tired can really bring you down when all you want to do is try and enjoy things and not think about surgery.

I've not had any news myself, I'm at the mercy of the NHS and they are dragging their heels. It's really frustrating!
On May 6, 2013...
Hi Gabrielle

Good to hear you have a confident surgeon who can repair for you! That's my concern atm too - hopefully it'll be a repair for me too.

Keep us updated and good luck with your surgery!

Rach S
Gabrielle Stinson  Many thanks Rach! I just getting used to this site but how great it is to be able to share
Gabrielle Stinson  Any news for you yet Rach? Hope you get sorted soon and can get repair. I had my angiogram on Tues ... Read more